As you may already know, May is Mental Health Awareness Month. That means a lot of different things for a lot of different people, but overall, it is a time to acknowledge what yourself or others may be going through. The National Alliance on Mental Illness is a great resource for more information about this month and what you can do to make a difference.
One of the messages that NAMI emphasizes is that “You are not alone.” That sentiment means a lot to our team. Our company provides technology to help emergency preparedness teams collaborate to make sure they’re not alone.
When it comes to mental health, everyone has something going on behind the scenes that you may not know about and the Juvare team is no stranger to tough times and one of the things we turn to when the going gets tough is music. Music has a way of lifting spirits and connecting people to the human experience.
When the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, our team put together a playlist (COVID-19 Response Rocks!) to try to add a little levity to the serious situations emergency managers and first responders were put in. We returned to that idea and put together a Mental Health Awareness Month 2021 Playlist. You’ll find songs across all genres that Juvare associates recommended, and some were vocal enough to provide some context for why their recommendation is important to them.
Another idea that NAMI wants to spread is that “it’s okay to be not okay.” We felt like the best way we could contribute to that was to share the fact that, sometimes, we aren’t okay. And we all have things we turn to in order to cope. We hope at least one of these songs resonates with you and helps you get through whatever you may be going through.
Below, you’ll find some of the recommendations and the reasons they were suggested. If you have a recommendation for the playlist, please reach out to Logan McElroy at [email protected] with your suggestion.
Song
Supergirl
Artist
Reamonn
Why
The song which motivates me each time I’m sad, unhappy or demotivated. This song is with me from the university 😊
Suggestion by Kristina Trijone
Song
You’ve Got a Friend in Me
Artist
Randy Newman
Why
This song is important to me because it reminds me of my family and friends. Friendship is so important and valuable in life. I believe quality friendships can help make your mind and life healthier and far better. Cheers to good friends!
Suggestion by Michael Wittorp
Song
Your Heart Is a Muscle the Size of a Fist
Artist
Pat the Bunny
Why
Thematically – It’s about living through unstable and chaotic times with the acknowledgement that it doesn’t always come through.
Suggestion by Oliver Young
Song
You’re Not Alone
Artist
Saosin
Why
This song is for everyone. I think it shows just how full of ourselves we can become without the true meaning of life. We get so easily blinded to what matters in this world which results in not taking care of what’s important for ourselves. We need to find a balance. This song guides you through that balance.
Song
Praise You in the Storm
Artist
Casting Crowns
Why
If I can switch my focus from the storm to who can calm the storm there is not a reason to worry, stress, or be depressed.
Song
reasons 2 live
Artist
illuminati hotties
Why
It’s right in the title. This song is a very specific, personal song written about the artist’s close friends. But that specificity resonates, and I can’t help but tear up a little when each “little thing” that a friend does is recognized. It’s about the people you choose to be around and how important they are.
Suggestion by Logan McElroy
Song
Television Land
Artist
Konradsen
Why
This song always brings me “feel good” vibes. The entire album, Saints and Sebastian Stories, is relaxing enough to listen on repeat while working or as the accompaniment to a conversation. One of my go-to favorites of the past year!
Suggestion by Torey Best
Listen to the playlist here:
